Sir, I have to differ with your enthusiasm for Messrs Brown, Cameron and Clegg to join in a television debate before the next election (leading article, Sept 2). As a dual US-UK national I am used to the US debates. The crucial difference is that in the US, the voters are voting for a president, whereas in the UK we have — with the disastrous exception of Tony Blair — a Cabinet system of government. So voters may well vote for a party without necessarily being in favour of the leader of that party.
Televised debates inevitably become beauty contests and that in turn influences future party leadership selection based on who looks and sounds good on television, instead of choosing the most experienced candidate. We need party and parliamentary reform before TV debates.
David Silber
Upton upon Severn, Worcestershire
Sir, The BBC and ITV, along with Sky News, had been working together on plans for a series of debates during the forthcoming general election campaign. We feel this would be of benefit for all our audiences. Establishing the ground rules for such debates and ensuring that they are consistently fair and transparent across each broadcast involves work and consultation. We have learnt from the United States that this should be approached seriously and with all details thought through.
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Sky’s position is a matter entirely for them. However, we believe that the best way to ensure that debates actually happen is to approach all parties with a thought-through coherent plan. That is what the BBC and ITV will continue to do.
Helen Boaden (Director BBC News) Michael Jermey (ITV Director of News, Current Affairs and Sport)